Vice President commends Governor over opposition defections
Vice President Kashim Shettima has lauded Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a masterful transformation of Kaduna State into a “one-party state” under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking over the weekend at the commissioning of the Tudun Biri Resettlement Scheme on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Shettima highlighted the massive wave of defections from the PDP and Labour Party as evidence of the Governor’s inclusive leadership. He noted that the political landscape in the “National” gateway of the North has shifted dramatically since the 2023 general elections.
Shettima recalled that in 2023, the APC suffered significant losses in the state, failing to win any of the three Senate seats and securing only four out of 16 National Assembly slots. However, through “conscious and deliberate efforts,” Governor Sani has managed to bring former rivals into the APC fold, including former Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero. The Vice President remarked that even Southern Kaduna, a traditional stronghold for the PDP since 1999, now has an APC senator for the first time in “living memory.”
The “Renewed Hope” agenda in Kaduna has been bolstered by these political realignments, which Shettima says are a result of the Governor’s focus on development over partisanship. He pointed to the resettlement of the Tudun Biri community as a “solemn testament” to the government’s resolve to turn tragedy into progress. By focusing on projects that touch the lives of all citizens, the Governor has effectively dismantled the opposition’s “National” presence in the state.
Southern Kaduna’s historic shift to the APC
The most striking part of the Vice President’s address focused on the changing political tide in the southern part of the state. For decades, Southern Kaduna was seen as an impenetrable fortress for the PDP, but recent defections have rewritten the “National” playbook for the region. Shettima credited Governor Sani’s “singular effort” and diplomatic tact for this shift, which has seen several House of Representatives members from districts like Soba, Makarfi, and Kudan join the ruling party.
This consolidation of power is being viewed by some as a strategic move to secure the “National” interests of the APC ahead of the 2027 polls. However, critics from the remaining opposition factions warn that a one-party state could stifle democratic debate and lead to “National” complacency. Shettima, on the other hand, argued that this unity is necessary to “break down institutional barriers” and align government efforts with the needs of the people.
Resettlement project as a symbol of healing
The event at Tudun Biri was not just about politics; it was also a moment to reflect on the recovery of a community impacted by the accidental bombing in December 2023. Governor Sani explained that his administration has delivered over 100 modern housing units, a 25-bed Primary Healthcare Centre, and a skills acquisition center to the survivors. Through the “Renewed Hope” resettlement scheme, affected farmers were handed Certificates of Occupancy to ensure their land rights are protected and to enable them to access credit for agribusiness.
The Vice President emphasized that the era of “operating in silos” is over, and the success in Kaduna should serve as a model for other states. He praised the “accountability and coordination” shown by the state government in managing the Federal Government-backed intervention. As the APC continues to expand its “National” footprint, the developments in Kaduna remain a centerpiece of the party’s strategy to consolidate power through both infrastructure and political alignment/
